University Committed to Preservation of Artwork in University Center

HOUSTON, Dec. 19, 2011 – The University of Houston obtained an art conservator dedicated to the preservation of artwork in the University Center (UC), including the Chicano mural located in Cougar Den. The mural, donated to the University by the Mexican-American Youth Organization, will be carefully preserved and relocated to a more prominent location in the new UC.

Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation began working in an advisory capacity with the University on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, to oversee the preservation project for the mural. The conservation company will determine the process for safely removing, cleaning and preserving the historical mural created on canvas and submit its written report to the University in January.

Construction will begin on the renovations and expansion of the University Center in summer of 2012. The mural will be removed during construction and then relocated to a more prominent area within the University Center that will enhance its exposure to the university community. The mural's current location in the Cougar Den is situated on the lower floor of the UC.